Jack Draper has reportedly lined-up an intriguing practice session at Melbourne Park on Wednesday as he ramps up his preparations for the Australian Open. Draper, 23, is yet to go past the second round down under, a record he’ll be expected to change this month having risen to No.15 in the world.
According to the iPaper, the British No.1 will now hit balls on the practice court with Novak Djokovic, who is gunning for according to the unprecedented 25th Slam title.
And an exiciting prospect is that standing on the other side of the net alongside the Serbian could be Andy Murray, who is coaching his former rival until the end of the tournament.
Draper enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2024, winning his first two ATP Tour titles. He captured the Stuttgart Open in June, before also winning the Vienna Open four months later.
He also reached a Slam semi-final for the first time at the US Open. There, he was beaten by eventual champion and world No.1 Jannik Sinner, but his run at Flushing Meadows earned his his career high ranking.
And arranging a session with the iconic Djokovic is a signal of his intentions for the Australian Open. It will also mean a brief reunion with Murray, having previously admitted to missing his presence on the tour after the Scot retired following the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Andy I miss,” Draper admitted during the US Open. “A shout out to him. What an unbelievable career the guy has had. An icon of the game.
“I miss him in the changing rooms. I miss being next to his stinky shoes and all of his stinky clothes. Andy is a legend. If I have half the career that he’s had, then I’ll be a happy man.”
The announcement that Murray would be working with his fellow 37-year-old came as a shock to tennis fans. The three-time Grand Slam winner had previously been soaking up his time away from the sport, and the opportunity to do more with his family.
Murray spent 10 days working with Djokovic during the off-season before the latter flew to Australia to compete in the Brisbane International. The British legend missed that tournament before heading to Victoria to meet up with the world No.7.
The pair have since been seen practicing together on the courts in Melbourne. And there will undoubtedly be extra eyes and media scrutiny if the two are joined by Draper on Wednesday just four days out from the tournament getting underway.